Ever heard of IoS? If your mind immediately jumps to that fruit-themed tech giant, wait a moment! We’re not diving into the latest smartphone update today.
Instead, we’re charting a course into the fascinating world of Indonesia’s Immigration on Shipping (IoS), a system designed to make entering the archipelago by sea nice and easy.
Innovative Approach to Attract Tourists
Since 2022, Indonesian immigration offices have implemented the Immigration on Shipping (IoS) service as an innovative approach to attract foreign tourists.
IoS represents a breakthrough by the Directorate General of Immigration, enabling immigration checks to be conducted onboard cruise ships while they are sailing towards or departing from Indonesia. This ensures that every passenger legally enters Indonesia in accordance with prevailing regulations.
The inspection process mirrors the systems in place at airports or international seaports, encompassing the verification of travel documents such as passports and visas before the ship docks at its first destination port in Indonesia.
“The initiation of this service stems from the Directorate General of Immigration’s commitment to supporting the smooth advancement of Indonesian tourism, particularly marine tourism, as well as the empowerment of the local economy,” stated an official written release on the Directorate General of Immigration’s website on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Read More: Will New Tourism Attraction Boost Indonesia’s Hospitality Sector?
How Indonesia’s Immigration on Shipping Works
The Immigration on Shipping (IoS) service offers a significant convenience by streamlining immigration procedures. Passengers and crew avoid the need to queue at port immigration counters, which helps prevent congestion.
This efficiency also benefits tourism by ensuring a smoother, more comfortable experience for international visitors, as their cruise itineraries are less likely to be affected by lengthy document checks.
Operationally, the verification of essential documents such as the general declaration, crew list, and passenger manifest occurs before the cruise ship departs its last international port. Indonesian Immigration officials carefully review the clearance provided by immigration authorities at that port.
During the trip itself, Indonesian immigration officers collect the passports of all passengers and crew members, which are then processed collectively.
This approach allows passengers to bypass traditional immigration lines upon arrival at Indonesian ports, enabling a more direct transition to their travel plans without unnecessary administrative delays.
Read More: From Stargazing to Coolcations, Indonesia’s Tourism is Glowing Up in 2025
Bali Leads as Top Destination for Immigration on Shipping
On a single trip, the average number of passengers processed can reach up to 3,000. This figure can vary, either higher or lower, depending on the ship’s capacity.
The total number of passengers who have utilized the IoS facility between October 2022 and April 2025 is 215,453. These passengers originate from various countries, with the majority coming from:
• Australia: 11,523
• United States: 8,460
• United Kingdom: 7,504
During this period, the Directorate General of Immigration has implemented IoS on cruise ships arriving from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, India, and Papua New Guinea.
During this period, the Directorate General of Immigration has implemented IoS on cruise ships arriving from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, India, and Papua New Guinea.
Meanwhile, the number of passengers served during the Christmas and New Year 2025 holidays was 2,515 people, while during Eid al-Fitr 2025, the figure reached 18,329 people. These numbers reflect the high public interest in choosing cruise ships as an alternative for holiday travel.
The Directorate General of Immigration notes that besides the Christmas/New Year and Eid al-Fitr periods, the peak season for cruise holidays also occurs between October and April, coinciding with the autumn to spring seasons.
Several strategic ports in Indonesia serve as destinations for cruise ships, including Benoa (Bali), Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Sabang (Aceh), and Tanjung Emas (Central Java). Among these ports, Benoa Port in Bali recorded the highest traffic, with a total of 48 cruise ships docking there between October 2022 and April 2025.
Ensure Your Entry is Seamless with the Right Visa
Planning a cruise to discover Indonesia? Or perhaps considering business opportunities after your sea escape? Dealing with Indonesian immigration can be complex. For expert assistance in obtaining the appropriate visa for your holiday cruise or any subsequent business ventures, turn to Seven Stones Indonesia.
We specialize in providing comprehensive immigration services, ensuring you have the correct documentation for a smooth and legal entry and stay. Contact Seven Stones Indonesia today to learn how we can help you with your visa needs!
Source: Dir. General of Immigration
Feat Image: via AntaraNews//Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna
